Details of Aston Villa summer move emerge as Steven Gerrard secures ‘number one target’

Details of how Aston Villa secured the services of Neil Critchley have emerged as the new assistant head coach prepares for his first season at Villa Park.

Steven Gerrard had to search for a new number two following the departure of Michael Beale earlier this month. The coach, who worked with Gerrard at both Liverpool and Rangers, left the club to become head coach of Championship side Queens Park Rangers.

Villa moved quickly to bring in a replacement with Critchley arriving at Villa Park a matter of days after Beale’s departure. He left his managerial role with Championship side Blackpool to join Gerrard, who he worked with at Liverpool.

Gallery: Ranked! The 12 fathers and sons who’ve both played in the Premier League (FourFourTwo)

Critchley was highly-rated at Bloomfield Road with the Tangerines disappointed to see the head coach leave. It is reported by the Sun that Villa paid a total compensation package of £1.2 million to the Championship side in order to secure the services of Critchley.

Following the appointment, Gerrard explained how the new Blackpool man was his ‘number one choice’ when searching for a replacement for Beale. “Neil Critchley was my number one choice when looking for a new assistant head coach,” he told the club.

“He is a fantastic coach who I have obviously worked with before and know his qualities. We look forward to welcoming him to Aston Villa.”

Critchley will be part of the coaching staff who will welcome back the Villa squad for the first day of pre-season training at Bodymoor Heath on Monday, July 4. The squad will be looking to the opening Premier League game of the season which sees them travel to Bournemouth.

Blackpool have now moved to replace the former head coach, confirming